A footballer who played for Cornwall clubs was abused by his former coach who allegedly "laughed" when he gave evidence in court. Micky Fallon, who played for Saltash United, Liskeard Athletic and Truro City, was touched inappropriately by serial paedophile Barry Bennell.

The 46-year-old described the abuse he suffered at the hands of Bennell after waiving his automatic legal right to anonymity. Now a father-of-three, he was scouted by the coach when he was playing under-12s football.

He later stayed at his house in the holidays while training with Crewe Alexandra, the Daily Mirror reports. Fallon was first touched inappropriately after being bitten by Bennell’s Alsatian dog on Christmas Eve 1984.

Bennell is to be sentenced to for a string of sex crimes against children (Image: Daily Mirror)

The serial paedophile refused to take him to hospital, instead patching him up with plasters before putting a scary film on the TV. It was then that Bennell sexually abused him under a blanket on the sofa.

Two similar incidents followed before the abuse “suddenly stopped” and Bennell’s attitude towards Micky changed. He had gone from praising and encouraging the youngster to bullying and belittling him.

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Micky said after Bennell’s trial at Liverpool Crown Court: "Throughout the whole trial he showed no remorse. He laughed when I gave evidence and laughed when the verdict was read out.

"Funnily enough that has really helped me. I’ve carried that guilt for a long time and I needn’t have carried it at all. My only wish is I was brave enough to do it when I was 13."

Bennell, who also coached at Manchester City, was convicted of abusing more young footballers earlier this month after grooming them with claims that he could fulfil their dreams of a career in the sport.

Bennell worked for clubs including Crewe Alexandra (Image: Daily Mirror)

It is understood the total number of victims assaulted by Bennell could exceed 100 after 86 more people came forward to report abuse following publicity about the case.

Micky now coaches a young football team himself.

He said that throughout his twenties he harboured a "dirty, horrible secret" turning to alcohol and, on one occasion, even tried ending his own life.